Over the past few weeks, we have received feedback regarding the many positive enhancements to Health Services and Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS). With these enhancements has come increased confidence in the services and the result has been an increase in usage. As a result, we have heard that wait times for Health Services and CAPS are longer than anticipated and it has, at times, been difficult to reach someone on the phone.

We are confident that the recent enhancements at Health Services and CAPS will have long-term positive effects on health care and student well-being at Bates, and we are actively working to address issues that may be affecting smooth and timely entry into services. In an effort to provide a more timely entry into a visit with a clinician at Health Services, we will begin entering registration information into the electronic medical records system prior to your arrival. We have also hired an additional staff member so that two individuals will be able to assist with the check-in/out process and answer phone calls. Additionally, in the coming weeks, we hope to shift the CAPS reception and waiting area from the ground floor to the first floor.

In CAPS, we have increased the hours and days of our part-time counseling staff and have introduced an intake model where, in high volume weeks, all new clients can be seen for an initial 30-minute appointment within a few days of reaching out to us. This will help reduce the amount of wait time for students to be seen for their first appointment.

We invite you into a conversation about our efforts to strengthen Health Services and CAPS. Please come by the Fireplace Lounge in Commons on Monday, October 17 between noon and 1:00 p.m. where we will be available to discuss any concerns you may have. Please know that we take your concerns seriously and are working diligently to address these issues. Our goal is to make the student experience at Health Services and CAPS an accessible and high quality one.